NHS Scotland Staff To Receive Pay Rise

Scotland's First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon has announced that pay restraints will be lifted for NHS staff.

Scotland's First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, announced at the SNP Spring Conference in Aberdeen that the pay restraints that have been in place for NHS staff in Scotland will be lifted. For staff members that earn under £80,000 per year, they will receive a pay rise of 3%. This will benefit many staff including nurses, midwives, allied health professionals, therapists, paramedics, support staff and administrators.

The pay increase will mean that staff currently earning up to £80,000 will receive at least a 3% uplift, and those earning £80,000 and over will receive a flat rate increase of £1,600. Staff not at the top of their pay bands will also receive any incremental progression they are due.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon stated at the conference, as quoted on the Scottish Government website:

“We know that for NHS staff, and all those who work in our public services, the last few years of pay restraint have been tough. That’s why I’m proud that our government was the first in the UK to lift the 1% pay cap.

“We’re currently in negotiations to agree a 3 year pay deal for NHS staff in which we aim to not just match but exceed the deal agreed in England. I hope these talks reach a positive conclusion soon.

“But I don’t want those working so hard in the NHS to have to wait for that agreement to get a pay rise this year. So I can announce today that we will make a payment on account as negotiations continue.

“All staff working under NHS Agenda for Change and earning up to 80,000 pounds, will get an immediate 3% pay rise and it will be in their pay packets next month.

“That means the vast majority of our frontline NHS staff will be paid, not just the same as in NHS England this year, but more."

This will mean that for staff paid weekly, the pay increase will begin the week beginning the 2nd of July 2018. For those paid monthly, the increase will be made at the end July salary payments.

Negotiations are still continuing between the Scottish Government, NHS Scotland and Unions on a three year pay deal but this is certainly a step in the right direction.